Tuesday 23 January 2007

hand history

i have started another blog where i will post the full hand history from my sessions, if i remember to request them, if anyone has the time and inclination to view these i would very much appreciate your comment on my play and of the other players on my tables, not sure how to do a link but the blog is pokeking69 hand history

advice

well as i have said i have some basic poker knowledge but i am looking to improve.. what would i like your advice on?.... well anything and everything basically

bankroll- how to build it from a start, how to manage it, i know i shouldn't risk too much of it but when you are just starting out how do you build it with out risking most of it?

Notes- i know i should make notes bout players, but what exactly should i be noting? what bets players make, from what position, what kinda cards they like to play? suggestions?

Kinda similar to notes, reading players, what to observe and what should i think bout it? how to put together my read on an opponent? not a skill i have right now!! advice and tips most appreciated

game selection- cash/tourny? i only really play nl holdem at moment, level buy in or blinds for cash? advice for playing at these different levels? is a little knowledge a dangerous thing, can i out think myself at this level? should i keep it simple?

online/live: given the convenience online is my preference, played live once at the stanely casino in reading, was a £20 re-buy, lasted to just after the first break, then it all went in pre flop my kq no good against ak when flop n turn brought 3 jacks & a 10 (no ace or 9 for my str8 on river)! also shuffling and dealing yourself, crumbs!

Records- i know i should keep records of my sessions but what exactly do i need to record? any suggestions or guide/templates?

Books- what are good books to read? i have read a poker for beginners book and harrington on holdem volume 1, any suggestions

Odds- any tips on how to work them out/remember them easily and quickly given the short decision times online? i currently dont really use them as i just cant do it in the time

hope to get your comments soon

a good start!

well this is the start i had hoped for!!

on pokerstars i had bout $100, played on a 50c/$1 table, i get aces, i raise get called by one late player .. pretty raggy flop, i bet, he calls, turn a blank so i check hoping he will bet, he does i raise him back and he calls, river cant remember what it was but think it mite have been a flush or str8 card........ i lead out, he calls then mucks. yes!! bout $130 now

few hands later i get aces again this time i rasie from early position, one caller then late player raises, so i reraise bout twice his bet, first caller with not much left goes all in, the late player raise to bout $60ish, no messing around i figure and go all in bout $120 by then he calls.... not what i was expecting..... flop not much but 2 spades, turn blank, river a spade..... oh god please not the flush, first guy mucks, late player shows kings!!! the aces are good!!

wow!! nearly $270 now, play some more hands then decide to leave when i down to $230.

looking good so far, think total bankroll up to $270, i was using most of it on that one table, not ideal i know but what else can i do?? open to suggetions on that one

Friday 19 January 2007

And so it begins......

Hi there everyone, today i start a mission/journey which i wish to share with you and with your help progress!!

I am a fairly new poker player, i play online at pokerstars, 888.com and betfair, though mostly stars at the moment.

I have been playing for fun, but the bug has got me and i want to improve get better, maybe start making so small money and after that well we will see, to go on and play pro is my and probably everyone else's dream, it wont be easy especially with a) having a life and b) a girlfriend who i live with, severly restricts the poker time i can get in.

Anyway so thats me for a start, i am going to post my thought and ramblings and some of my results from poker on here to discuss with anyone that wishes to and hopefully can help me improve.

I have read a basic book on poker and also Harrington on holdem volume 1, i understand hand selection, patience, position, probabilty and pot odds etc, though i find it hard right now to 1) remember all the things when i am playing, or 2)work out all the maths in the time i have online before i have to act.

So the journey begins, wish me luck..